Question 1

When a researcher conducts field research where the research subject is completely unaware of the researcher's presence, as if the researcher is invisible, it is called

Accepted Answer

A)   observer as participant.
B)   participant as observer.
C)   complete observer.
D)   complete participant. C

Question 2

It is often difficult to study social phenomena, because as social creatures we are often closely tied to these phenomena. To address this issue, many sociologists will utilize a technique called attitude of strangeness. What is the attitude of strangeness? Why is it used in field research?

Accepted Answer

The attitude of strangeness is a technique used by sociologists in field research to distance themselves from the social phenomena they are studying. This involves adopting an outsider perspective and treating the phenomena as if they are unfamiliar or strange, rather than something that is familiar and part of their everyday lives.

This technique is used in field research because it helps sociologists to overcome their personal biases and preconceptions about the social phenomena they are studying. By approaching the phenomena with a sense of strangeness, sociologists are able to observe and analyze it more objectively, without being influenced by their own personal experiences and emotions. This can lead to more accurate and insightful research findings, as well as a deeper understanding of the social phenomena being studied. Overall, the attitude of strangeness is a valuable tool for sociologists to use in their research to ensure that they are able to study social phenomena in a more objective and unbiased manner.

Question 3

In our society, the "voice" or perspective of people in power is given more legitimacy than people without power. Howard Becker suggests that one responsibility of sociologists is to legitimize and bring to focus the "voice" or perspective of those without power. This illustrates

Accepted Answer

A)   normalize social research.
B)   hierarchy of credibility.
C)   latter of legitimacy.
D)   member validation. B

Question 4

Compare differences between a field research and a survey research interview. How does a field interview differ from a survey research interview?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compare differences between a field research and...

Question 5

When Dr. Gulley begins field observation, she tries to empty her mind of stereotypes of day care. This helped her to see what was really happening, not only recognizing stereotypes. The process of "emptying her mind" is called

Accepted Answer

A)   naturalism.
B)   defocusing.
C)   presentation of self.
D)   thick description.

Question 6

At some point in field research, the researcher must end the study. What are some of the concerns when a researcher leaves the field?

Accepted Answer

The answer of At some point in field research, the...

Question 7

When choosing a topic for field research, personal characteristics can limit our access to social groups. What are some of the relevant factors a researcher considers when choosing a field research topic? How does the level of involvement play a role in this decision?

Accepted Answer

The answer of When choosing a topic for field research,...

Question 8

Researchers use unstructured or intensive interviews in field research in order to

Accepted Answer

A)   obtain easily tabulated data.
B)   obtain closed-ended responses.
C)   gain an in-depth understanding of respondent views and beliefs.
D)   minimize interviewer bias.

Question 9

In her field research, Dr. Gulley helped the day care teachers clean up at the end of the day. She also answered the telephone when everyone else was busy. This illustrates_____ as a method of easing the tensions of day care teachers as they are being observed.

Accepted Answer

A)   the use of breakdowns
B)   appearance of interest
C)   the use of small favors
D)   freeze outs

Question 10

The separation of inference in field research is

Accepted Answer

A)   separating direct observation notes from notes on what a researcher infers.
B)   forgetting to mention the worldview of racial groups or gender other than the researcher's.
C)   selecting particular times, places, or people to observe in more detail based upon an evolving theoretical understanding.
D)   separating data presentation and data analysis too much.

Question 11

Field research is often conducted on deviant or specialized groups that are not accessible by quantitative research methods. Describe at least 6 steps a field research should take when entering a potentially dangerous field.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Field research is often conducted on deviant...

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of focus groups?

Accepted Answer

A)   Survey researchers are provided with a window into how people talk about survey topics.
B)   The natural setting allows people to express opinions/ideas freely.
C)   Participants may question one another and explain their answers to others.
D)   Only one or a few topics can be discussed in a focus group.

Question 13

Replication is nearly impossible when conducting field research. How does a field researcher make sure that his or her findings are reliable and valid?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Replication is nearly impossible when conducting field...

Question 14

How does the "presentation of self" affect a field researcher's work?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How does the "presentation of self" affect...

Question 15

Which of the following is TRUE of interviewing in field research?

Accepted Answer

A)   Interviewers can reveal their personal background or interests to the interviewee to build trust and rapport.
B)   Interviewers should never tailor the question to a specific informant.
C)   Interviewers never use probes or follow-up questions.
D)   Interviewers must read each question exactly as it appears on the interview questionnaire.

Question 16

Many field researchers will bring their study results to the group that was researched. Attempting to get approval from the group is called

Accepted Answer

A)   member validation.
B)   content validity.
C)   filial validation.
D)   ecological validity.

Question 17

When conducting interviews on a field site, a field researcher should

Accepted Answer

A)   never reveal any personal information about him/herself to anyone being interviewed.
B)   follow the exact wording of questions and do not improvise.
C)   always ask the same questions in the same order to each person in a field site.
D)   intersperse questions into informal conversations and tailor questions to specific people being interviewed.

Question 18

One key to successful field research is maintaining close relations with the research subjects. How does a field researcher use acceptable incompetence and appearance of interest to maintain these relationships?

Accepted Answer

The answer of One key to successful field research is...

Question 19

Dr. Gulley uses the attitude of strangeness when interacting with or interviewing day care employees. This means that she

Accepted Answer

A)   remains distant, cold, and angry towards members in the field setting.
B)   is strange, because only strange people want to do social research.
C)   questions and notices ordinary details as if she was a stranger.
D)   finds it difficult to conduct social research on strangers.

Question 20

A face sheet for a field research interview is

Accepted Answer

A)   a page on which comments about the interview itself e.g., tone, difficulties)  is recorded.
B)   a page with a pictorial representation of each respondent.
C)   a page with information and background characteristics of the interviewee and his or her friends.
D)   a page about the researcher's role or "face" in the field.

Exam 13: Field Research and Focus Group Research